6 Advantages (and 3 Disadvantages) of Freeze Drying Food
Since 2019, we have been exploring the fascinating world of freeze-drying . Here is what we have discovered through our research and experiments :
What is freeze drying, roughly speaking?
- A process that removes water from food (such as dehydration)
- Transforms ice in a food into vapor (without liquid phase)
- Preserves the structure, nutrients and taste of foods
This unique technique allows food to be preserved in a state close to its original freshness , while making it light and easy to transport .
This makes it a method of choice for adventure meals and long-term preservation.
6 Major Benefits
1. Long-term conservation
The stability of freeze-dried foods is remarkable.
In the absence of water and oxygen, degradation reactions are considerably slowed down, allowing exceptional preservation.
Information to remember
- Up to 25 years shelf life (when sealed in a mason jar with an oxygen absorber)
- Perfect for long expeditions
2. Ultra Light
Weight reduction is a crucial advantage for long-distance hiking. It allows adventurers to carry more food without overloading their backpack .
For example, our Couscous Aventurier weighs only 200g before rehydration, while still providing a complete and tasty meal .
Information to remember
- Up to 99% lighter than fresh food
- Ideal for hikers
3. Nutrients preserved at approximately 95%
Freeze drying preserves most of the vitamins and minerals found in fresh foods.
This is especially important for maintaining a balanced diet during intense physical activities .
Information to remember
- Keeps 95% of nutrients
- Better than other preservation methods
4. Taste and Texture Intact
The cellular structure of foods is preserved during the freeze-drying process, allowing the original texture and taste to be restored after rehydration .
Information to remember
- Like fresh food after rehydration
- No compromise on flavor
5. Rapid Rehydration
Speed of preparation is a major asset in an adventure situation, where time and energy are precious.
Imagine putting your hot water in your bag and letting it sit while you set up your tent for the night.
Information to remember
- Ready in less than 10 minutes
- Some in just 1 minute (like our expedition cretons) !
6. Flexibility of preparation
This flexibility allows for cooking meals in a variety of conditions. The "cold soaking " method saves space and the weight of a burner in your backpack.
Our blog post “4 Freeze-Dried Food Preparation Methods Tested by 4 Adventurers” demonstrates this versatility.
Four enthusiasts tested our products in different ways: hot water, cold soaking, etc.
This adaptability is valuable during summer hikes, in restricted areas, or to vary your preparation methods.
Information to remember
- Freeze dried works equally well in cold or hot water
- Adapts to all situations
In summary
| The 6 advantages of freeze drying |
| Conservation up to 25 years |
| Ultra light (loses up to 99% of its weight) |
| Retains 95% of nutrients |
| Preserves taste and texture |
| Takes less than 10 minutes to prepare |
| Works with hot or cold water |
3 Challenges to Consider
1. Complex production
The freeze-drying process requires significant investment in equipment and expertise, which is often reflected in the price of the finished products.
But for the benefits mentioned above, it's worth investing a little more, right?
Information to remember
- Specialized equipment required (consumes a lot of energy over a long period)
- May increase final cost
- Check out our blog post on the detailed freeze drying process
2. Fragile products
The porous structure of freeze-dried foods makes them more fragile than their fresh or dehydrated counterparts.
Proper packaging is essential to preserve their integrity.
Information to remember
- May crumble if mishandled (crushed in backpack, etc.)
- Packaging crucial for protection
3. Sensitive to humidity
Exposure to moisture can quickly deteriorate the quality of freeze-dried foods.
Even a single drop of water can alter the product.
Tight packaging is crucial to maintain their long-term preservation properties.
Information to remember
- Humidity can compromise preservation
- Airtight packaging is essential
In summary
| The 3 Disadvantages of Freeze Drying |
| Freeze-dried is complex (long process) |
| Product crumbles at the slightest compression |
| Sensitive to water and humidity |
Maximizing the Benefits of Freeze Drying
Freeze drying offers many benefits for outdoor enthusiasts, while presenting some challenges.
Here are some key actions to remember:
- Plan for the long term : Take advantage of the long shelf life to plan your adventures.
- Lighten your bag : Opt for freeze-dried meals to reduce weight.
- Vary your diet : Choose different meals for balanced nutrition.
- Experiment with preparations : Try cold soaking for more flexibility.
- Prepare for the unexpected : Include freeze-dried meals in your emergency kit.
By following these tips, you'll get the most out of freeze drying for your outdoor adventures.
Discover Treko: Your partner in adventure
At Treko, we are committed to providing high-quality freeze-dried meals, designed specifically for adventurers like you :
- 100% freeze-dried : To give you a texture that really resembles what you prepare at home.
- 100% vegan : Eco-friendly , nutritious and delicious meals, without compromise.
- Local ingredients : We favor Quebec producers.
Try Treko for your next adventure and discover how our freeze-dried meals can transform your outdoor experience.
